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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: rghthndsd on January 16, 2012, 07:04:10 PM

Title: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 16, 2012, 07:04:10 PM
I've been running Avast Free Protection on my Windows XP Professional SP3 computer for several months now.  Previously I've had Malware Bytes and AVG installed on this computer, however both are removed now.

Two days ago I realized that I had auto-updates turned off for a long time, and I restarted it.  It took several cycles to download all the updates from Microsoft, but when it was finished, the avast service was not able to start (Note: SP3 was already on my computer before doing this update).  I can not manually start it, and each time it tries to start the service I get this error in my event viewer: "The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 3 time(s)."

I have since tried many times to reinstall (as this was the only suggestion I could find on the forums).  I've downloaded the cleanup program provided by avast, and have run this in safe mode before reinstalling.  I've also run CCleaner to try to clean up the registry before installing, if that makes any difference.

The problem has to do with the Microsoft updates, is there anything I can try to get avast working?
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 16, 2012, 07:51:58 PM
You could run the removal utility for avast several times; each time selecting previous versions of avast (avast 4 / 5 / 6 ...). Be sure to select the correct path to the installation folder.

You can also search for any (hidden) folders that could be left after the removal, like "avast*" or "alwil*".

You can also run the respective removal utility for previous security tools you had before. Sometimes just "uninstalling" is not enough. For removal utilities, see my signature.

Please report back.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 16, 2012, 10:07:00 PM
I've run the remove programs for AVG and Malware Bytes as you indicated, and also ran the avast removal for the different versions (all in safe mode).

Upon reinstall, the service still doesn't start.  Instead, it hangs on the "Starting" status (Edited to add: It should be on the status "Started").  But avast seems to be ok with this: the updates, scans, and real time shields all appear functional. 

I've seen this before with my previous installation attempts.  It is usually not dependable: some times the service will hang like this, and sometimes it will outright crash.  I will post back if the service stops and I can't use avast in the future.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 16, 2012, 10:36:35 PM
After the installation, have you rebooted before checking the status of the service?


In addition, ONLY if the problem returns back, you may want to try:

Avast main GUI -> settings -> troubleshooting -> "load avast service only after other system services". Save the changes. Reset the service to what it is supposed to be in the start up type, save and reboot. Test if this solves the problem.

If you find any problems, let us know so avast developers could try to narrow down the source of it.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: SafeSurf on January 17, 2012, 11:41:07 AM
Can you give us some information about your system OS?  You mentioned that you updated to SP3, so I'm assuming you have XP.  How much RAM do you have?

We have seen people run the MS/Windows Updates then for some reason additional updates show up or the updates didn't take.  You may want to see if you have any other updates needed for MS/Windows and if so install them then reboot your machine.

In addition to the other suggestions made here in the posts, what do you have under Avast Settings > Updates > Update Parameters?  How do you connect to the Internet? 

Also make sure your firewall is not blocking anything for Avast to run properly.  What are you using for a firewall?

Let us know how this goes.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 17, 2012, 02:56:00 PM
I booted my computer this morning, and the avast service failed to start.

Quote
Avast main GUI -> settings -> troubleshooting -> "load avast service only after other system services". Save the changes. Reset the service to what it is supposed to be in the start up type, save and reboot. Test if this solves the problem.

After trying this, my avast service is back in "Starting" mode, but not "Started".

Can you give us some information about your system OS?  You mentioned that you updated to SP3, so I'm assuming you have XP.

Quote from: rghthndsd
I've been running Avast Free Protection on my Windows XP Professional SP3 computer for several months now.

Quote
How much RAM do you have?

2Gb

Quote
We have seen people run the MS/Windows Updates then for some reason additional updates show up or the updates didn't take.  You may want to see if you have any other updates needed for MS/Windows and if so install them then reboot your machine.

No updates available.

Quote
In addition to the other suggestions made here in the posts, what do you have under Avast Settings > Updates > Update Parameters?  How do you connect to the Internet?

Wireless DSL modem.  Update parameters: Both boxes (I only connect to the internet using a dialup modem, My computer is permanently connected to the internet) are unchecked.

Quote
Also make sure your firewall is not blocking anything for Avast to run properly.  What are you using for a firewall?

Windows firewall.  I disabled it and it made no difference.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 17, 2012, 07:30:27 PM
After trying this, my avast service is back in "Starting" mode, but not "Started".

I understand your post, but I don't know why the starting mode is not working, specially if you double checked that the service is set correctly AND that avast service is supposed to be delayed. Maybe you should wait a little bit longer after the reboot so to be able to see the service working?

Do you use any "startup manager" or similar tool to edit the startup items? For example, CCleaner includes such feature (CCleaner -> Tools -> Startup). If you use such type of tool (including MSConfig as an example), could you review the items? (It may help us a screenshot too.)
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: freddy12 on January 18, 2012, 11:17:55 AM
Seems like I am having similar problems with avast not starting, I resubscribed in december last year as i was very happy with avast for the last three years on my pc' os windows xp
I was having problems with slow performance and did a system restore and when restarted i noticed the red cross over the avast icon, on the avast controll panel has system unprotected message displayed with the button fix now that has no effect, I also tried the start program button to no effect, otherwise the pc seems to be operating ok, it just seems to be struggling with any thing avast related, I had to use the cellphone to validate my log on to this forum, any comments suggestions or soloutions will be appreciated
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Asyn on January 18, 2012, 11:21:27 AM
...any comments suggestions or soloutions will be appreciated

Repair avast!:
1. Control Panel -> Add/Remove programs -> avast!
2. Scroll down and click on 'Repair'.
3. Follow instructions.
4. Reboot.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 18, 2012, 09:42:02 PM
Quote
Maybe you should wait a little bit longer after the reboot so to be able to see the service working?

Computer was running for over three hours with the service still "Starting".  When I boot, about half the time it hangs on "Starting", and half the time it completely fails to start.

Quote
Do you use any "startup manager" or similar tool to edit the startup items?

Only msconfig.  Do you want the services, or the startup programs?  The startup programs are attached in the picture.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 18, 2012, 10:51:35 PM
(I hope no one starts now adding irrelevant comments about some "optional" items in your attached picture, as they are not the main issue here; at least for now.)

In your picture, I don't see the line regarding avast service startup. I don't know if it is not there at all, or if it was unintentionally "trimmed" from the screenshot, or I'm simply missing it. Please confirm if it is there at all, and add a new screenshot where we'll be able to see it.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 19, 2012, 12:53:29 AM
By "start up", I wasn't sure if you meant programs or services.  Attached is the picture of the services.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: bob3160 on January 19, 2012, 12:56:55 AM
This only shows a few of the items.....
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 19, 2012, 03:18:39 AM
I will say now something that MAY sound strange for some users, but anyway, please don't panic (as there is nothing to panic about).

Are you sure you downloaded a legitimate avast installation? Are you sure the setup and the installation wasn't (or got) corrupted?

Please confirm / double check, which exact edition of avast (Free / Pro / AIS) and which exact version are you using? (The current latest stable is v6.0.1367.)

The reason I have my doubts about the installation package (or the installation result) is because the content of your screenshots are not EXACTLY what are supposed to be. In the first one, avast should be there, listed, active and running. In the second one, "Avast software" should clearly be listed as manufacturer and the status should be "Running".

If the only strange thing would be the status, I would suspect of some kind of incompatibility or some other problem. But since other very typical data is also failing in some way or another, I can't just simply skip over my doubts.

So, if you can double check the exact data of OS (including version, 32/64bits, SP) and exact avast edition and version, it may help us find why those differences are there.

Have you downloaded the latest stable version of avast from the original website?

Please report back.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 20, 2012, 05:15:14 PM
This only shows a few of the items.....

I was under the impression that what was requested was to see my Avast entry.  Let me know if you want to see everything.

Quote
Are you sure you downloaded a legitimate avast installation? Are you sure the setup and the installation wasn't (or got) corrupted?

I originally downloaded the program from Cnet (this is where the link on the avast site takes me). I deleted the exe I originally installed and redownloaded it.  This made no difference: Service still can't start, the entries in msconfig are identical to the pictures I posted before.

The version of avast I have is the free version, 6.0.1367.
System: Microsoft Windows XP, Professional, Version 2002, Service Pack 3, 32 bit.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 20, 2012, 06:36:47 PM
Did you run the removal utility for avast before reinstalling the last time? I would:

1_ Uninstall.
2_ Removal utility several times, for each version that was ever installed / updated in your system, whit reboots in between, always to Windows Safe Mode http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility).
3_ Reinstall using the latest stable version and reboot.
4_ Update definitions if possible (just wait 10 minutes after reboot; do not force the update), and then check again for the service status.
5_ Check for the avast driver status (device manager -> show all devices -> avast driver -> properties).

I don't know why, but my avast service in msconfig shows the full info (including the correct manufacturer), but your screenshot above doesn't.

If the steps above won't let avast service to work as normal, then either something won't let it start, or it is being delayed "too much time", or there is something "blocking" it (whether some remnant of some older security tool, or some "malware").

According to your next feedback, we'll see what to do next if necessary.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 20, 2012, 07:22:31 PM
I always run the utility in safe mode before attempting another install.

I installed Malware Bytes and ran a system scan.  It came up with nothing.  Same thing with HijackThis.  A boot time scan with Avast also detects nothing.  I do not think malware is the problem.

Is there a way I can determine a reason for the service not starting?  An error log somewhere?  So far everything I can find just says "it failed".

Also, note that avast stopped working when I applied several Microsoft updates.  Is there any way I can check the integrity of these updates?  I only know of chkdsk, and this reports nothing (other than a couple of sectors that were falsely labeled as allocated).
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: essexboy on January 20, 2012, 10:37:57 PM


1. Please download the Event Viewer Tool by Vino Rosso http://images.malwareremoval.com/vino/VEW.exe and save it to your Desktop:
2. Under 'Select log to query', select:
* System
3. Under 'Select type to list', select:
* Error
* Warning


Then use the 'Number of events' as follows:

1. Click the radio button for 'Number of events'
Type 20 in the 1 to 20 box
Then click the Run button.
Notepad will open with the output log.


Please post the Output log in your next reply then repeat but select Application.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 21, 2012, 04:01:51 PM
Nifty little program.  Don't think it will help to much, but at least you guys get to see what I see.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: essexboy on January 21, 2012, 09:06:48 PM
Is Avast installed on the same drive as windows ?

Vino's Event Viewer v01c run on Windows XP in English
Report run at 21/01/2012 10:00:31 AM

Note: All dates below are in the format dd/mm/yyyy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'System' Log - error Type
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 3:18:38 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7022 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service hung on starting.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 3:07:13 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 2 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 3:07:01 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 1 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:17:12 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7034 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 5 time(s).

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:12:58 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7034 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 4 time(s).

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:08:24 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7034 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 3 time(s).

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:08:23 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 2 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:07:13 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 1 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:04:55 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 10005 Source: DCOM
DCOM got error "%1084" attempting to start the service EventSystem with arguments "" in order to run the server: {1BE1F766-5536-11D1-B726-00C04FB926AF}

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:04:20 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 10005 Source: DCOM
DCOM got error "%1084" attempting to start the service EventSystem with arguments "" in order to run the server: {1BE1F766-5536-11D1-B726-00C04FB926AF}

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:04:16 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 10005 Source: DCOM
DCOM got error "%1084" attempting to start the service StiSvc with arguments "" in order to run the server: {A1F4E726-8CF1-11D1-BF92-0060081ED811}

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 11:04:12 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 10005 Source: DCOM
DCOM got error "%1084" attempting to start the service netman with arguments "" in order to run the server: {BA126AE5-2166-11D1-B1D0-00805FC1270E}

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 10:37:15 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7022 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service hung on starting.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 8:03:23 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7034 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 3 time(s).

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 8:03:10 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 2 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 8:03:04 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 1 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 20/01/2012 8:03:03 AM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7022 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service hung on starting.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 19/01/2012 7:32:12 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7034 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 3 time(s).

Is Avast on the same drive as windows ?

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 19/01/2012 7:32:03 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 2 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 19/01/2012 7:31:57 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7031 Source: Service Control Manager
The avast! Antivirus service terminated unexpectedly.  It has done this 1 time(s).  The following corrective action will be taken in 5000 milliseconds: Restart the service.


Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 25, 2012, 02:14:34 AM
Quote
Is Avast installed on the same drive as windows ?

I have three physical drives, each with one partition: a windows drive and two backups (i.e. no OS installed).  Avast is installed on the same drive as windows.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: dchester on January 25, 2012, 06:35:39 PM
Just as an add on, I had 3 computers do the same thing today.  Looks like a bad update.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: DanielFS on January 25, 2012, 06:49:47 PM
Agreed,

I am seeing exactly the same thing on my end as well - similar system specs (XP SP3, 2 GB of RAM, Avast! 6.0.1367), and just this morning when I rebooted it started doing this - the service takes 50% of my CPU (or 100% of one core) and remains stuck in the "Starting" state.  Startup is considerably slower as a result, and I have no antivirus protection (cannot enable shields, the "Fix Now" button in Avast! does nothing, etc.).

I ran Process Explorer to see what thread was causing the issue within the Avast! service, and it shows a total of six threads, the oldest of which is "stuck" and is responsible for the CPU utilization (it's continuously executing tons of context switches).  Start address is !CryptVerifySignatureW+0x17 - hoping that helps with the troubleshooting, but I suspect a bad update as well.  Will do some more digging and see what else I can accomplish.

DS
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: antrox on January 25, 2012, 06:51:29 PM
Today i have the same problem!
The computer worked from morning (torrents) and when I returned at night and rebooted it - Avast could not start their service! Manually too will not start! I rebooted it to install auto updates for WinXP.
Antivirus is not working and is not updated! Im in danger! :)

Services screenshot:
(http://iceimg.com/t/25/87/7b456adfed.jpg) (http://iceimg.com/25877b456adfed.png.htm)
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: DanielFS on January 25, 2012, 07:25:08 PM
Hi folks,

I have both confirmed the suspicion that this has to do with a bad update and have worked out a fix.  Here's what I did:

* Rebooted in Safe Mode (with Networking, though this shouldn't matter)

* Went to my Avast! install directory (C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\ in my case, since I've been using it since version 5 and it appears to have kept the same directory even though it's now version 6)

* In C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\defs, I saw the file aswdefs.ini and four subdirectories:

 12011401
 12012401
 12012500
 12012500_stream

Not sure what the "stream" folder was about, but these were clearly virus definitions from January 14, 24, and 25th, respectively.

* I opened aswdefs.ini and changed the one entry in it from Latest=12012500 to Latest=12012401, then saved it.

* I moved the 12012500 and 12012500_stream folders to the recycle bin.

* I rebooted normally, but with my network cable unplugged (to make sure Avast! was unable to automatically update).

Problem solved - everything started fine.  I immediately went into the Avast UI and disabled automatic updates under Settings so as to avoid any future problems.  Will try a manual update to the newest defs plus a reboot right now to see if I can recreate the issue that way (after I back up the old defs, in case this actually works, since Avast! has a habit of deleting old defs after some time).

I hope this helps!

DS
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: InfernoChaos on January 25, 2012, 07:44:07 PM
I recently just got this issue today as well where Avast would not start up. The Fix Now button does not work at all and just starts up with a bid red X on the icon on the bottom right.

I would love try out DanielIFS's method, but unfortunately I am no where near computer savvy/literate enough to even think about trying what he did.  :(
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: igor on January 25, 2012, 07:45:57 PM
There appears to be a problem with the today's update - a new virus definition will be released very soon which should fix it.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: DanielFS on January 25, 2012, 07:49:37 PM
Hi folks,

A follow-up - very interesting - so I updated to the most recent definitions (January 25) to see if I could reproduce the issue, but this time, no problem!  I rebooted my machine afterwards, and it starts just fine with the 1201250 defs.  If I look in the folder I mentioned above, where the defs are kept, the 1201250_stream subdirectory is gone, so likely that had something to do with what was happening.  With that in mind, I'm thinking that another fix may be to reboot in safe mode, go into the defs subdirectory, and take out any folders marked "stream".

If you're feeling brave (or the above simply doesn't work), you could even delete everything inside the defs subdirectory - my presumption is that Avast! will recover from this by simply downloading new definitions when you start normally once more.  If not, at worst you just download the defs manually, here:

http://www.avast.com/download-update

Good luck to all,

DS
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Verxz on January 25, 2012, 08:40:36 PM
Hi. I have the same problem (avast wont run and fix now button does nothing), and im not very good at this stuff, but if i understood right, it will automatically upgrade to the working version soon?
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: antrox on January 25, 2012, 08:54:54 PM
it will automatically upgrade to the working version soon?
probably
otherwise too lot of other people will be left without protection.

but how it possible when service and updates not working?  ???
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: supertoaster on January 25, 2012, 09:08:57 PM
Somebody else may have report this, but I fixed my service not starting by rebooting in safe mode, and deleting the 1201250_stream folder under defs. After I rebooted things were back to normal.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: dutch98 on January 25, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
So.....what to do?
I am having precisely the same issue.
And yes, I tried the Repair Tool.

I will be following this thread carefully. I hope that this is not a ploy to make me click on the <Update> option!


My Specs are: My Current version is: 6.0.1367
My specs: MSIE version 8.0.6001.18702 ; 128-bit ; Build 86001
System Info: Windows XP Home Edition, 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600; x86 Based Dell PC, Physical Memory 1,024.00 MB Available 488.08MB;
Total Virtual memory 2.00 GB, Available Virtual memory 1.96 GB, Page File Space 2.30 GB
Under System Drivers I see: aavmker4, avast!Asynchronous Virus Monitor, with an OK Status and a Normal Error Control
and aswmon2 and aswtdi, both are described as avast!Standard Shield Support, also with an OK Status and Normal Error Control. Both show as Started and as Running. There were 3 Legacy Drivers listed under Signed Drivers and all 3 were listed as Not Available.
Under Running Tasks, I see the file name of avastui.exe, with a Process ID of 656, Priority 8, start time 1-25-12 at 1:37PM, version 6.0.1367.0, and a File Date of 12/5/2010
Avast is also listed in Startup Programs, located at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows, etc.

Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: MikeRepairs on January 25, 2012, 09:46:09 PM
I had this happen to 3 computers. I expect more calls from customers. all are win7 64 bit
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: dutch98 on January 25, 2012, 09:46:19 PM
Oh, and just to followup, I tried the download and installation manually at: http://www.avast.com/download-update
I got the message that "the product was successfully updated"
but then I see: error: Setup Selfextract. An error 0 has occurred. Last performed operation was : spawning.
Had to click <OK>
so I did and exited out.
Anybody know of this "spawning" error?
Thanks for any advice.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Geezer69 on January 25, 2012, 09:49:10 PM
supertoaster, thanks for that suggestion!  I tried it and it worked for me, too.

dutch98, you can find that 1201250_stream folder in C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\Defs.  I deleted it in Safe Mode (left it in the recycle bin, just in case I need it back).  Then, I rebooted as normal, and all is well again.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: dutch98 on January 25, 2012, 10:12:51 PM
Followup- I restarted and to my relief I see that I am again "fully protected"! The virus definitions are: 120125-1. Special thanks to Daniel IFS for supplying the link to the manual update fix. You saved me big time. The check is in the mail!
BTW, to others who read this far into this thread...be very very careful about following anybody's directions when it comes to messing around in subdirectories and in Safe Mode. In my experience these directions almost always leave a teenie weanie little step out of the procedure, making you guess at the missing step. That guess can be the difference between a successful cure and a locked up computer. Been there and one that.... a lot!
Fortunately, Daniel supplied a link to acquire and install the updates needed to make my free Avast work again! I don't argue with success.
Now...about that Spawning Error....?????
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: MikeBCda on January 25, 2012, 10:18:24 PM
I'm having more or less the same problem (on my wife's computer) as of this morning, opening the avast UI from the tray icon gives a warning that the avast service "isn't operating properly", or wording to that effect.  I tried a boot-time scan, but apparently that wouldn't work.

Also, her firewall service (PC Tools, free version) won't finish loading.  Is this combination of problems an indication that her system may be infected?  She has a wireless connection to my router-modem (other than that, no LAN has been set up), which means she's internet-connected (DSL) whenever her computer's on, with apparently no protection.  I'd try an MBAM scan, but I know my son hasn't updated her defs for that in ages (I'm not even sure she's got the current program version).

I'd guess my best starting point is to disable her network card, uninstall the firewall and avast (including use of the removal tool for the latter), then do a clean install from downloads to my own computer, which is clean and working fine.

Any other comments or suggestions? Thanks.

Afterthought: Her system's more or less the same as mine, XP SP3, slower processor but more RAM.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Jawsofhana on January 25, 2012, 11:05:26 PM
I just encountered this problem. The manual update fixed it. Thanks a lot.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: MikeRepairs on January 25, 2012, 11:19:09 PM
now I am getting calls from customers, this is widespread, thanks for the work  :D
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: themcd1998 on January 25, 2012, 11:52:45 PM
I'm having a similar problem.  Been using Avast for over a year on this PC.  Haven't made any changes to the PC recently (unless Windows downloaded updates overnight that I didn't see).  All of a sudden Avast won't start. There's a flag in my task bar saying "turn on Avast Antivirus".  When I go to avast and turn it on, I get this error message:

Unable to start the File System Shield.
Shield unreachable.

========================
UPDATE: I uninstalled Avast, downloaded the latest version and did a fresh install and this seems to have fixed the problem.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: essexboy on January 25, 2012, 11:54:46 PM
http://www.avast.com/download-update

Download and run the above update
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Dch48 on January 25, 2012, 11:56:12 PM
I didn't get the problem but there is no stream folder either. I only have one defs folder in there and it's the latest one. Avast always automatically deletes everything but the latest one for me.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: John_E on January 26, 2012, 01:05:00 AM
I encountered a problem about 11:30 AM CST saving a simple Excel 2003 spreadsheet file. Computer just hung and had to close Excel via task manager. Upon investigating found an X on the Avast! icon in the notification area and task manager reported AvastSvc.exe running the processor to 50%. Also found IE8 was randomly hanging as well.

Long story short the bad update discussed in this thread appears to have been the issue. Followed the instructions here and removed the 'streaming" file, reverted to the 12012401 update and then did a manual update through the Avast! UI to get the 12012501 update and everything seems back to normal so far.

Funny thing is I was on the computer doing various tasks from 4:30 AM to the 11:30 AM Excel incident without any issues. Seems strange to me and I'm glad it didn't start deleting files or something without me noticing.

Thanks to everyone here who provided a solution.

Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: mrausch73 on January 26, 2012, 02:11:18 AM
I had the same won't start problem today as well. I used the above link from essexboy and it worked like a charm. All fixed, thank you!
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: jgth on January 26, 2012, 02:15:24 AM
I am having a similar problem where today avast!
will not start successfully. I have been using it
for a year or so with no problems until today.

My PC has Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP3,
640MB of RAM, avast! version is 6.0.1367.

I have tried the various solutions posted above
and no success yet. From Windows Task Manager,
AvastSvc.exe runs around 95% or more all the time.
I cannot kill this process, cannot uninstall avast!
from the control panel, cannot boot in safe mode
(get an error), tried removing 1201250_stream
folder and get an error that it is in use and
denied, and also tried the avast! 6 removal utility
at singularlabs.com. For the last one, the removal
utility aswclear6.exe says the self-protection
module is enabled...I try to disable that in
Settings -> Troubleshooting but it keeps getting
enabled when I check it again...I hit OK after
I deselect it but then check it again and it is
enabled.

How can I fix this or uninstall avast!?

Thanks for the help,
John
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 26, 2012, 02:48:35 AM
@jgth,

Please start a new topic, as your problem seems to be different from the one presented in this one. Also, please provide more specific info about the errors (for example, to start safe mode).
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: gblu on January 26, 2012, 04:52:38 PM
There appears to be a problem with the today's update - a new virus definition will be released very soon which should fix it.


thank you igor. i just wandering why my avast gone bad today.


Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: rghthndsd on January 27, 2012, 04:16:50 AM
Looks like the problem that many people are having is not the same as mine.  I don't have the definitions file that Daniel IFS mentioned (and mine occurred way before this).
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: ady4um on January 27, 2012, 04:31:10 AM
Looks like the problem that many people are having is not the same as mine.  I don't have the definitions file that Daniel IFS mentioned (and mine occurred way before this).

Repair avast and reboot. Please report back.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: speckledbird on January 27, 2012, 05:27:09 AM
I was able to fix my mom's computer using the information on this thread.  Thank you all. I updated Avast manually while in safemode with networking.  I also deleted the stream folder.  Then restarted mom's computer and Avast was up and running. We appreciate this forum.  Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Spf on January 27, 2012, 09:13:13 AM
I am having a similar problem where today avast!
will not start successfully. I have been using it
for a year or so with no problems until today.

My PC has Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP3,
640MB of RAM, avast! version is 6.0.1367.

I have tried the various solutions posted above
and no success yet. From Windows Task Manager,
AvastSvc.exe runs around 95% or more all the time.
I cannot kill this process, cannot uninstall avast!
from the control panel, cannot boot in safe mode
(get an error), tried removing 1201250_stream
folder and get an error that it is in use and
denied, and also tried the avast! 6 removal utility
at singularlabs.com. For the last one, the removal
utility aswclear6.exe says the self-protection
module is enabled...I try to disable that in
Settings -> Troubleshooting but it keeps getting
enabled when I check it again...I hit OK after
I deselect it but then check it again and it is
enabled.

How can I fix this or uninstall avast!?

Thanks for the help,
John


I have exactly the same problem. :(
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Lisandro on January 27, 2012, 11:59:25 AM
Will this help?
https://support.avast.com/index.php?languageid=1&group=eng&_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=1050
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: Spf on January 28, 2012, 09:11:02 AM
Will this help?
https://support.avast.com/index.php?languageid=1&group=eng&_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=1050

It worked.

Thankyou
Title: Re: Avast service can't start
Post by: dartagnian88 on November 26, 2012, 03:26:16 PM
Hello! Sorry for my english and that's my story... I hope this issue helps someone. I recognized that in my system was malicious software that runs with system start, there was unexplained network traffic, so I installed avast, because no antivirus was installed before in my system until now. And I had the same problem as describe above and nothing advises was
helping for me, so I get a great idea ;p to unistall avast using producer's uninstalling kit, run system again to complete
uninstalling some additional parts of avast, which has place after reboot, now I get completely clean system from avast
installation. Now I:
1) run system in safe mode with administration privileges,
2) install avast in safe mode (yes it is possible),
3) reboot system allowing them for run in normal mode to complete installation,
4) I shutdown system and run it again in normal mode - avast still don't worked, and in safe mode - avast worked. I tried setup in safe mode scanning task before system bootup, but I couldn't, it doesn't take effect, system starts without scanning I suppose because of safe mode in which system never startup additional task.
5) So I run avast in safe mode  - everything works fine! Everyting is on green. I start full scan mode and avast found 9 viruses. Because
system is running in safe mode, avast detect that state and communicate, that system is running in safe mode and only hand's scans are available so shield are not active but we can switch to 'computer scan' option and do this manually. Ok, now everything should be ok, I tought.
6) But ... after I scanned and removed viruses using avast command ('remove'), I run system in normal mode and avast still don't worked properly. There was still one virus (rootkit in C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\) detected by avast but it was not removed because of 'access denied'. I found a great page ('http://www.technibble.com/how-to-remove-a-rootkit-from-a-windows-system/') where everythings about rootkits manual removing is described so I follow this tips and remove rootkit, and now I even know how manual remove virus and where to find them. My rootkit was on msconfig startup list and I remove him with cacls and del command, there was one more worm too on the list, and I also deleted it (it was in path C:\WINDOWS\TEMP).

After that avast works fine and everythings is on green and I see beautiful spinning avast icon in tray in normal mode. Before I couldn't event setup scanning system before boot. Now I setup scan at bootup and avast detected 5 more viruses - 2 in common files and 3 in restore point. I deleted everything. After that there was one more .exe file which starts with windows but wasn't a threat anymore beacause after it run, system displayed 'Microsoft errors report'. I found this file in "C:\Documents And Settings\username\Application Data\VirusName\VirusName.exe" it was hidden. This was the last one but still I don't know how it could be running because it wasn't on msconfig list. Now I have clean system which starts very fast and working avast. I'm still on Win XP.

Greetings!
Mariusz